School district spokesman Oby Lyles said Wednesday night that a child who attended Blythe Elementary Academy died Tuesday evening, and may have had a viral complication that may or may not be associated with his death.

On Thursday the Greenville County Coroner identified the child as 5- year-old Jeremiah Cornelius Simmons. Simmons was a 4K student at Blythe Academy, according to Deputy Coroner Barry Wright.

Wright said Simmons died Tuesday evening from an illness “believed to be viral and contagious.” According to Wright, Simmons had no symptoms of illness on Monday, but woke up “not feeling well” Tuesday morning. Wright said the boy went to school that day and later went to the school nurse with a mid-grade fever. He was sent home and given an over-the-counter medication by his mother, Wright said, and spent the afternoon sleeping. Wright said around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, his mother entered the room to check on her son. He said Simmons was non-responsive, wasn’t breathing and went into cardiac arrest, at which time his mother called 911. Paramedics administered advanced life support, Wright said, and took the boy to Greenville Memorial. Simmons was declared dead at 7:13 p.m. The cause of death is unknown, Wright said.

"He was a healthy child. He had no significant medical issues," Wright said.

Swab samples are being tested by lab workers at the State Health Department and Greenville Memorial Hospital. Wright said based on the initial autopsy results, he doesn’t believe Simmons died from meningitis.

"We don’t know what we’re dealing with. We haven’t named it. If it was a common illness, we should get the results quickly. If it was uncommon, it could take a while,” Wright said.

Meanwhile, Wright said anyone who has had contact with Simmons in the last few days should seek medical attention if they exhibit a low-grade fever, runny nose, cough or congestion.

The areas of the school where the child was or may have been during the last few days have been disinfected in accordance with established protocols as an added precaution, said Lyles.

In a written statement to News 4, Principal Sandra Griffin said, “Everyone in the Blythe community is devastated by the death of this precious child. We are focused on supporting the family during their time of personal loss and helping our students and staff cope with this tragedy."

PTA co-Presidents Cheves Steck and Laurin McDonald sent us this statement: “This is a very sad day at Blythe Academy as we mourn the loss of one of our 4K students. We are a very close school family and care very deeply about each other. The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and our hearts are broken. We would appreciate your keeping the child's family as well as our school family in your thoughts and prayers right now during this difficult time.”

The crisis response team counselors and psychologists were at the school Wednesday to assist students and staff. They will continue to be available as needed.

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